Edible moraea
Moraea fugax

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A herb. It forms a corm. This is covered with a fibrous sheath. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 45 cm high. There are 1 or 2 leaves high on the stem. The flowers are white and blue. They are 4 cm across. The flowers usually open one at a time.

Caution: Some Moraea are very poisonous.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in warm temperate places. It grows in hot arid places with a marked dry season. It is usually on sandy soils. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Namibia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The bulbous roots are eaten roasted, boiled or stewed with milk.

It has potential as a future crop plant.

Edible parts

Root, bulbs, corm

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Incembu, Tele, Uintjie, Wituintjie

Synonyms

Moraea edulis (L.f.) Ker-Gawl.; Iris edulis L. f.; Iris longifolia Schneev.; Moraea corniculata Lam.; Moraea diphylla Baker; Moraea filicaulis Baker; Moraea longifolia (Schneev.) Sweet illeg. name; Moraea odora Salisb.;